There has been significant growth in the usage of 5-HTP recently, driven by new study results showing it may be effective for weight loss, mood enhancement, alleviating pain , and improving symptoms of anxiety and depression.

To get the highest quality 5-HTP supplements, look for pure 5-HTP capsules from a cGMP certified manufacturer, and ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) where possible.

Buying from a trusted supplier is important to avoid contaminated products. In 1989-90 there was an epidemic of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), which causes intense muscle soreness and may be fatal. The cause was traced back to a contaminant in certain Tryptophan supplements.

Reports of toxic metals and antibiotics have also been found in some herbal supplements when tested, according to the website Drugs.com. This site also suggests not to take 5-HTP supplements for more than 12 weeks and to stop taking it at least two weeks before having surgery.

The seeds are processed in controlled-heat drying facilities with low residual moisture below 10% and stored in environmentally-controlled warehouses until shipment. Quality control tests and HPLC analysis of pure 5-HTP content, moisture, and any microbial contaminants on the seeds are done before shipping.

5-Hydroxytryptophan, in the body, either from the supplements or the breakdown of Tryptophan, travels to the brain through the bloodstream. Here it crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters the brain. Once in the brain, 5-HTP is converted into the neurotransmitter Serotonin.

Serotonin is also known as the “happiness neurotransmitter,” because it is present in elevated levels during periods of positive emotions such as peacefulness, happiness, and calm. Serotonin plays a role in ensuring our moods are stable, helping us focus, regulating sleep patterns, and controlling appetite and digestion.

Several conditions, including Depression, Fibromyalgia, IBS, Insomnia, Migraine and Tension headaches, Panic Attacks and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) all show evidence of low levels of Serotonin. These conditions often improve with increased levels of Serotonin.

Top 5-HTP Supplements

In one eight week study, 5-HTP 150-400 mg daily had similar effects in improving symptoms of depression as fluoxetine (Prozac) 20-40 mg daily. Other studies have shown that 5-HTP may be comparable to imipramine (Tofranil) or fluvoxamine (Luvox) in reducing symptoms of depression.

In a controlled trial, pure 5-HTP (300 mg per day) was shown to reduce many symptoms of Fibromyalgia, including anxiety, pain severity, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbances.

Low levels of Serotonin in the gut may trigger IBS symptoms. Dr. Maxwell from Askdrmaxwell.com recommends 300 to 400 mg a day to boost Serotonin levels for patients with IBS A (alternating from diarrhea to constipation) and those with IBS-D (mostly diarrhea).

For insomnia, there was an improvement in the duration and depth of sleep with a single 100 mg nighttime dose of 5-HTP, according to one placebo-controlled trial.

Pure 5-HTP for SAD

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a subtype of clinical depression, lasts throughout the late fall and winter months when there is less sunlight during the day.

SAD is characterized with cyclic bouts of depression, increased appetite and need for sleep, anxiety, decreased activity, social withdrawal, weight gain, and carbohydrate craving. It affects 10% of the general population, being more common in the higher latitudes, and it affects more women than men.

Studies suggest the condition may involve a genetic predisposition; 13 to 17% of people who have first-degree relatives with SAD will also suffer from the condition.

5-HTP pill supplements may be helpful in treating symptoms of SAD by boosting Serotonin production. Some sources say doses of 50 – 200 mg per day seem to be most effective.

Safety and Side Effects of Pure 5-HTP

Pure 5-HTP is considered possibly safe by the Natural Medicines database for oral use in adults. Use in pregnant and nursing women and individuals with Down’s syndrome is considered possibly unsafe and to be avoided.

Most people who use pure 5-HTP supplements can expect to experience no to mild side effects. Common mild side effects may include: drowsiness; nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn; diarrhea; or loss of libido.

A more serious side effect known as Acute Serotonin Syndrome can occur when there is an excess of Serotonin in the body. This can occur from taking very high doses of pure 5-HTP or taking 5-HTP in combination with other serotonergic drugs, like antidepressants in the SSRI or MAOI classes.

Symptoms of Acute Serotonin Syndrome include agitation, restlessness, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and irregular heartbeat. In extreme cases, if it is left untreated, Acute Serotonin Syndrome may be fatal.

Pure 5-HTP supplements should also be avoided if taking Tramodol, carbidopa, narcotic medicine, or cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan (DM).

Always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplement, especially if you are taking any prescription medication.

Pure 5 HTP has the potential to help many low level Serotonin conditions and has been studied for over 30 years. While safe for most, it is important to consult with your doctor before buying 5-HTP or Griffonia Simplicifolia extract to make sure it is right for your needs.

OVERVIEW: 5-HTP is the precursor of the neurotransmitter Serotonin and is made from the amino acid L-Tryptophan. As a supplement, it is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. READ MORE...

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